Not only was it Gustavsson’s first trophy since joining the team just over two years ago, but it was also some of the most convincing, exciting, and effective football the team has played under his tenure.
Stellar performances from several players including Sydney FC winger Cortnee Vine, right-back Charlotte Grant, debutant Clare Hunt, game-changer Alex Chidiac, and MVP Mackenzie Arnold all but cemented themselves in the World Cup squad, while we also got a glimpse of how the team plan to adapt to different systems and styles in a group-stage format.
In an ideal world, that same fit-and-firing team would have flown to England for this penultimate international window: the last before Gustavsson selects his final 23.
Alas, sometimes the universe is a real jerk.
Vice-captain Steph Catley, defender Alanna Kennedy, midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight, and wingers Caitlin Foord and Emily Gielnik have all been side-lined with various injuries in the past few weeks, while goalkeeper Teagan Micah continues to be monitored due to ongoing concussion symptoms.
However, these absences have opened the door for a number of other players to step into camp, including the long-awaited return of full-back Ellie Carpenter and forward Holly McNamara, both of whom have recovered from ACL injuries over the past year and returned to game-time with their clubs.
College midfielder Amy Sayer and centre-back Matilda McNamara have both been late call-ups to replace Foord and Kennedy, while Sydney FC goalkeeper Jada Whyman has also been flown to England as back-up for Micah.
Gustavsson, for his part, is philosophical about it, telling media yesterday:
“We had to change our approach a little bit, from saying ‘this is about cohesiveness and consistency’ to now, ‘what last answers can we get?’
“One door closes, another one opens, and this team has been amazing about adapting to change. We need to do that as coaches, as well.
“Yes, every time we step out on the field, we try to perform to perform maximum. I don’t want to say it’s not important to perform well. But we need to do that with a mindset of preparing for the World Cup.”
This game, then, will likely see quite a different set-up to what Matildas fans are used to in terms of players.
But, as there was in last year’s series against Spain and Portugal which was missing a bunch of senior players, it could be the chance for a couple new stars to emerge.
Who do you think are the biggest losses for Australia in this window, beloved blog-watchers? And will any of the late ring-ins be able to step up in their absence?
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